University of Cincinnati geology department head and professor Lewis Owen has been studying the progression of glaciers for the past 25 years. (Photo courtesy of L. Owen)

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CINCINNATI - Ever ask, "What is that?" Or, "Why is that?" In our "Cincy Science" feature, we talk with people who can answer those questions: The folks who do science in Cincinnati and the Tri-State.

On May 6, NASA released a study calling the melt of Antarctic glaciers “unstoppable.” The prediction? That water levels will continue to rise more than three feet by 2100 as glaciers reduce in size, breaking into fast-melting ice flows. NASA declared the area of West Antarctica to be "past the point of no return."

NASA based its study on satellite data from more than 40 years of observation.

At the University of Cincinnati, department head and professor of geology, Lewis Owen has been studying the progression of glaciers for the past 25 years. His primary focus is primarily on glacial region located in Tibet and the Himalayas.

"We're interested in how glaciers change over time as climate has changed, because we're in a changing climate at the moment, dominantly because of increased human activity," Owen said. "From understanding past glacial changes, we can understand how glaciers may change in the future."

Become a WCPO Insider to read a Q&A with Professor Owen and learn why he believes glaciers are "great sensors for climate change." Plus, check out two more breathtaking photos!